On our most recent expedition aboard M/S Quest, our guests were treated to an unforgettable wildlife encounter when more than fifty minke whales suddenly appeared around the ship. In this blog post and short film, we take you back to this extraordinary moment.
Some moments in the Arctic stay with you long after they’re over. As M/S Quest departed Woodfjorden, we experienced one of those unforgettable moments.
Near the mouth of the fjord, more than fifty minke whales suddenly appeared around the ship, all intensely focused on feeding. The sea seemed alive with movement as whales surfaced in every direction, then disappeared beneath the water again. They paid little attention to us, completely absorbed in the abundance of food.
Time and again, they surfaced right alongside the ship. Just a few metres away, we could hear the powerful sound of their exhalations before they slipped beneath the surface again. They came so close that we could even catch the unmistakable – and not entirely pleasant – scent of their breath. It made us smile and served as a vivid reminder of just how near we were to these remarkable animals.
Encounters like this are what make expeditions in Svalbard so special. Nature never follows a script, and the wildlife has a way of surpassing even the highest expectations. Our meeting with this extraordinary gathering of feeding minke whales at the mouth of Woodfjorden will undoubtedly remain one of the season's highlights.
Please note: Depending on the lens used for a photo or video shot an animal may appear to be closer than it is. We always follow strict wildlife guidelines to ensure that we do not cause any disturbance.
